Northern, Spreading HOPE for James

Ambassador Northern Beattie, Sharing in memory of james

“My wife and I lost our son James to a rare genetic disorder. It was a difficult time in our life, but, with the help of the community and organizations like RTZ, we are able to not only return to zero, but change and improve our lives in ways we never thought possible. There is so much love in the world, and unfortunately, not enough focus is given to it. The community within RTZ helped my wife and I grieve, share our story, and meet others who have walked down a path similar to ours. Our son James will be remembered forever, and for myself a great catalyst of change. I will make my son proud, I will be the best possible father for him and all my children.

RTZ helped us get through the darkest period of our lives. My wife leaned heavily on the community fostered throughout the organization, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

Pregnancy and infant loss is a unique type of loss, leaving the grievers to feel isolated and unsure of how to move forward. We'd be grateful if you would consider making a contribution to RTZ HOPE. Your gift ensures that other parents who endure loss on their journey to parenthood have the support, resources, and community they need in order to navigate life after loss.

With your support, here’s what we were able to accomplish during 2022 (2022 Annual Report):

  • Fifty percent of support group participants received financial support to ensure that all parents have access to services.

  • Enhanced outreach to and created support services for Black, Indigenous, and other Communities of Color as a response to the alarming rate of preterm births and stillbirths caused by racial disparities in perinatal and infant health. 

  • Offered 50 different support group programs (virtual workshops, virtual support groups, and in-person retreats) to our community of bereaved families.

  • Supplied our unique perinatal bereavement guides to 400 hospitals and providers to assist in caring for grieving families.

  • Hosted 10 perinatal bereavement education webinars to parents and providers.

  • Created community and spread awareness about pregnancy and infant loss through social media.

Shianne Gundersen